As a major city in central Canada, Winnipeg is not only the gateway to the northern wilderness but also a captivating blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The Red River and Assiniboine River weave through the city, creating a charming waterfront landscape. Against this scenic backdrop, high-end hotels shine like jewels—nestled along the riverside, in the downtown core, or in historic neighborhoods. These properties offer both stunning views and impeccable service. I present five of the most recommended luxury hotels in Winnipeg, covering location, amenities, services, and surrounding experiences in detail.
1. The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre
This century-old classical hotel is one of Winnipeg’s most iconic landmark buildings, exuding timeless elegance and rich history. Located at the junction of downtown and the Red River, it offers both strategic convenience and picturesque surroundings. Guests can easily walk to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Union Station, and The Forks Market, making it an ideal base for both cultural exploration and leisure.
Famous for its grand Edwardian architecture, the hotel’s lobby captivates with high ceilings, sparkling crystal chandeliers, marble flooring, and intricate gold leaf details. Rooms span from traditional deluxe units to upgraded suites, some featuring sweeping views of the Red River or the downtown skyline. Each room is thoughtfully appointed with luxurious bedding, marble bathrooms, plush bathrobes, premium toiletries, and a Nespresso machine for added comfort.
The crown jewel of the property is Ten Spa, one of Canada’s premier urban wellness sanctuaries. Guests can indulge in Turkish hammam rituals, deep-tissue massages, facials with organic ingredients, and holistic body treatments. The 24-hour fitness centre features top-of-the-line Technogym equipment, a yoga and stretching zone, and personal training services upon request.
The Palm Lounge offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere for evening cocktails or light dining, featuring live piano music and an extensive wine list. It’s a favorite for both guests and locals seeking a romantic night out or an elegant post-meeting drink. Business travelers will also appreciate the hotel’s expansive conference and event spaces, which include grand ballrooms and boardrooms equipped with cutting-edge AV technology.
Surrounding activities: Walk to The Forks Market to browse artisanal foods, local crafts, and seasonal vendors. For outdoor lovers, the scenic river trail is perfect for jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying sunrise and sunset views that reflect off the water and cityscape.
2. Inn at the Forks
Perfectly positioned at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, Inn at the Forks sits in the heart of Winnipeg’s most dynamic cultural and historical district—The Forks. This area, once a meeting ground for Indigenous peoples and early settlers, has been transformed into a vibrant space filled with museums, markets, restaurants, and public art. Staying here means being surrounded by the city’s heritage while enjoying modern comforts.
The hotel itself embraces a sleek and minimalist design, combining a glass-and-wood façade with interiors that utilize calming natural elements such as reclaimed timber, stone textures, and neutral gray palettes. The ambiance is tranquil yet contemporary, appealing to both leisure and business travelers. Rooms are airy and expansive, with oversized windows that flood the space with natural light. Select rooms offer panoramic views of the Red River, where the morning sun casts a golden hue on the water—an unforgettable sight.
At the core of the relaxation experience is the Riverstone Spa, which features private treatment rooms, steam baths, and customized therapies. The spa menu includes everything from deep tissue and prenatal massages to aromatherapy rituals and couples’ hydrotherapy treatments—ideal for anniversaries or unwinding after a day of exploration.
SMITH Restaurant, the hotel’s stylish on-site dining venue, serves contemporary Canadian cuisine that celebrates regional flavors. Ingredients are locally sourced, including prairie-raised meats and produce from Manitoba farms. Signature dishes like the smoked duck breast with wild berry jus and the maple crème brûlée tart offer a taste of Canada’s culinary creativity in an elegant setting with indoor and patio seating.
Surrounding activities: Step directly into The Forks Market to enjoy boutique shopping, gourmet food stalls, and seasonal activities like open-air skating in winter or music festivals in summer. A short five-minute walk leads to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights—an architectural marvel and thought-provoking experience. Guests can also rent a canoe or bike in nearby Assiniboine Park, making it easy to blend culture with adventure.
3. Fairmont Winnipeg
As part of the globally renowned luxury brand, Fairmont Winnipeg is located in the heart of the financial district, directly across from the iconic Portage and Main intersection — often considered the coldest and busiest corner in Canada. This prime location places guests within walking distance of many of the city’s key attractions and business venues.
The hotel’s exterior exudes a stately and elegant presence, while its interior blends modern refinement with curated local art pieces that reflect Manitoba’s cultural diversity. Rooms are classically styled, offering guests large executive desks, BOSE sound systems, and premium down bedding that ensures a restful night’s sleep. Suites include access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge, which offers complimentary gourmet breakfast, refined afternoon tea, evening canapés, and attentive concierge services tailored for discerning travelers.
Guests enjoy a full range of wellness facilities including a heated indoor pool, sauna, and a 24-hour fitness center equipped with modern equipment. Velvet Glove, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, highlights prairie cuisine with a seasonal menu that emphasizes freshly caught seafood, sustainably raised grass-fed meats, and locally sourced vegetables. Private dining can also be arranged for anniversaries, business functions, or intimate celebrations.
Surrounding activities: Visit the Manitoba Museum to explore Indigenous heritage and natural history, or the Winnipeg Art Gallery for contemporary Inuit art collections. Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street to uncover charming vintage bookstores, local art galleries, and cozy cafés tucked inside the city’s historic Old Town.
4. Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg
Operated by Marriott’s Delta brand, this high-rise hotel is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. Its seamless connection to the RBC Convention Centre via an indoor skywalk system makes it particularly ideal for those attending trade shows, exhibitions, or large-scale conferences, regardless of the weather outside.
The hotel features a contemporary design with clean architectural lines, neutral color palettes, and tasteful artwork that reflects the modern spirit of downtown Winnipeg. Guest rooms are bright and spacious, offering floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping city views, along with smart TVs, ergonomic chairs, and well-lit workstations. Upgraded rooms add an extra layer of comfort with heated bathroom floors, luxurious bath amenities, dedicated lounge areas, and upscale coffee stations featuring premium pods and milk frothers.
The fitness center is open 24/7 and equipped with state-of-the-art machines and weights. The glass-roofed indoor pool area is bathed in natural sunlight during the day, offering a relaxing retreat after work or sightseeing. The hotel also boasts expansive ballrooms and multifunctional halls that cater to weddings, corporate banquets, and social events. On the ground floor, the Manitoba Restaurant serves a diverse menu with Western staples like grilled steak and burgers, paired with regional flavors such as pickerel and bison dishes.
Surrounding activities: Head to True North Square for NHL hockey games or live music events. Walk along Broadway Avenue to discover Winnipeg’s multicultural dining scene, offering everything from Filipino street food to upscale French-Canadian cuisine.
5. Mere Hotel
Mere Hotel is a sleek, design-forward boutique hotel situated along the scenic north bank of the Red River, just steps from the vibrant Exchange District — one of Canada’s best-preserved historical neighborhoods known for its creative energy and architectural charm. Though modest in size compared to chain hotels, Mere is beloved by design enthusiasts, solo travelers, and digital nomads for its attention to detail and personalized guest experience.
Each room showcases minimalist elegance, with neutral tones, efficient layouts, and a focus on natural light. Amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-enabled speakers for personalized entertainment, and ergonomic workspaces suited for both business and leisure travelers. Local artwork adorns the walls, offering an authentic glimpse into the city’s artistic community. Select rooms facing the river feature full-height glass windows, allowing guests to take in the vivid sunrise or relax while watching the city lights shimmer across the water at night.
Although there is no in-house restaurant, Mere Hotel partners with nearby eateries and gourmet cafés to provide curated in-room dining options. Whether you’re craving artisanal sandwiches or locally roasted coffee, the front desk can assist with fast and reliable room delivery. The 24-hour concierge desk is another highlight, offering custom city maps, bike rental recommendations, and exclusive tips on hidden gems like alleyway murals or indie music venues.
Surrounding activities: Wander through the Exchange District’s ever-evolving street art installations, or step into independent bookstores and vintage vinyl shops. At night, take a peaceful riverside walk or hop on a guided ghost tour to experience a different side of Winnipeg’s historic charm.
Booking Tips
All of the above hotels can be booked through mainstream platforms such as Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com. To secure the best rates and room selection, it’s recommended to book at least two weeks in advance.
Whether you’re a cultural explorer, urban adventurer, or simply in search of a tranquil retreat, Winnipeg’s luxury hotels offer the service and scenery to match. From century-old elegance to minimalist modernity, from riverside sunrises to urban nightlife, each hotel tells its own story and offers a unique experience.
